The annual Hearts of Hayward volunteer recognition event returns this evening in a special pre-recorded video form following a one-year COVID-19 hiatus.
The annual event normally held in person over dinner in the big white tent on the grounds of St. Rose Hospital each October celebrates our City’s outstanding volunteers who give their time and energy to benefit individuals and local social service organizations and programs.
During the program, 20 individual volunteers will be recognized with Heats of Hayward Awards.
In addition, the annual John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award will be presented to the Rev. Arlene Nehring of United Church of Christ in Hayward, where she has worked to improve health, education and empowerment opportunities for youth, especially in Cherryland and South Garden.
The annual Gail Steele Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to former Hayward Mayor and former state Assemblyman Michael Sweeney, whose contributions prior to election to office included organizing cafeteria workers to unionize at Cal State University Hayward and advocacy on behalf of Hayward tenants. Former Mayor Sweeney went on to lead Spectrum Community Services as executive director after leaving elected office, and he continues to serve the Hayward community as co-chair of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration event organizing committee.
A link to the program can be found on our website: www.hayward-ca.gov/hearts-of-hayward